A Bit About Us

NOVA Nightsky Theater was founded in later summer of 2021 by actor/producer Jaclyn Robertson and playwright/director Ward Kay. Both had worked in the local theater scene for years but wanted to bring something a little different to the community. While our first show was performed outdoors in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have performed 18 productions in all different types of venues aligning with our mission of producing theater in unconventional spaces. Unlike other community theater companies who rely on grants or donations to operate, we rely on ticket sales to produce our shows. As such, we maintain tight budgets and create shows utilizing the amazing talents of our company members and casts.

In 2025, we move into our new home of Falls Church Presbyterian Church and cannot wait to keep

producing shows that the community loves.

Thank you for supporting us on this journey!

NOVA Nightsky Theater Company

Jaclyn Robertson

Producing Director/Co-Founder/Actress

Jaclyn is a producer, actress, mom of three, and a serial entrepreneur. After graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, she took a long hiatus from the theater to raise her three young children and spent a decade running a successful fitness business for mothers. Since 2017 Jaclyn has worked at Providence Players of Fairfax, Shoestring Theater Company, City of Fairfax Theater Company, and LTA. In 2024 she began working as a Teaching Artist for Next Stop Theater Company.

As our Producing Director, Jaclyn brings her expertise as a small business owner to NOVA Nightsky by focusing on community outreach, marketing/branding, and making sure our crews and casts have everything they need to feel supported.

Ward Kay

Artistic Director/Co-Founder

Ward is a playwright, director and actor. His plays have been honored by the NVTA, The Little Theatre of Alexandria, ScreenCraft, Talking Horse Productions and the Garry Marshall Theatre. DC Theatre Scene said of his play Oral Histories,

“Holy crap. This might be the best Fringe show I’ve ever seen.”

Locally, Ward has directed shows for Zemfira Stage, Prince William Little Theatre, Little Theatre of Alexandria, Vienna Baptist Players and at the Capital Fringe. His production of Romantic Comradery won best original production and was nominated for best direction at the NVTA.

In the Chicago area, Ward was the co-founder of Theatre on a Deck. He has been a member of The Players (in Detroit) for more than thirty years, which has produced many of his plays.

Adam Ressa

Design and Technical Director

Adam has held a variety of creative and technical roles in multiple industries, including exhibits, theatrical experiences, and immersive theme parks. He graduated from Virginia Tech with dual degrees in Industrial & Systems Engineering and Theatre Arts. While attending VT, he founded a school sponsored multi-media performance organization, and took on side projects with theatres and creative organizations all over VA. In 2010, his desire to tell immersive stories brought him to Orlando where he joined Walt Disney Imagineering - the creative arm for Disney's Parks and Resorts. Adam also served as a freelance scenographer and technical production manager for various theatre organizations in central FL. In 2017, Adam returned to the DMV and began working in the museum industry, creating content-based exhibits for the National Parks Service as well as other public and private institutions. He has worked for the Smithsonain as a Visual Information Specialist for the National Portrait Gallery, and is currently working at the Exhibits Specialist at the U.S. Capitol In his spare time he works with local community theatres as a performer, producer, and overall problem solver. .

Sarah Baczewski

Administrative Director

Sarah Baczewski is a director, stage manager and (occasional) actress. A Washington State native, Sarah is a recent transplant (via Los Angeles, CA) to the Washington, DC area. She has directed productions for Providence Players of Fairfax and NOVA Nightsky Theater, as well as a radio play for The Arlington Players (TAP). She fell in love with community theatre at age 12 and majored in theatre at Whitman College. Following a 12+ year career in the entertainment industry, she shifted to the nonprofit space three years ago and currently works in fund development for a nonprofit focused on D.C. legal system reform.

As Administrative Director, Sarah handles scheduling, logistical coordination, and other support for NOVA Nightsky's productions.